Students might exchange a quick “Hi,” “Hello” and “Thank you” to the driver as they board the Point Loma Nazarene University Liberty Station shuttle without knowing the story of the person behind the wheel.
For many students at PLNU, the Liberty Station shuttle is a means of getting to and from class. Yet for those driving, a day in the life of a shuttle driver is a routine consisting of long hours, unpredictable schedules and occasional chances to connect with students who utilize their service.
A typical day in the life of a shuttle driver begins with waking up early to start the bus. Alfredo Ortega, a shuttle driver who has been on campus for eight years, starts his day at 6 a.m., ensuring everything is in order with the automobile before starting his first run at 7 a.m. and ending at 11 a.m, he said.
Previous to his position, Ortega worked at the airport as well as Casa de Mañana, a senior retirement community in La Jolla. This led him to continue to work in the department because he enjoys the freedom, he said.
“I don’t like being stuck in a kitchen or an office – I like to be outside,” he said.
Liberty Station shuttle driver Eric Maliepaard has been driving at PLNU for as long as the service has existed, around 17 years. Before working at the university, he was involved in Harley Davidson rental tours, guiding riders across the country. Now, his work days last from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Patrick Francis, PLNU’s head of transportation, said in an email interview that when hiring new drivers, he looks for a good driving record, as well as someone personable and friendly. The role requires patience – especially when dealing with traffic and shifting schedules. Francis sees transportation as an essential part of student life.
“It helps students who don’t have access to a vehicle get back and forth to their classes at Liberty Station,” he said.
Ortega plays music while he drives; anything from upbeat Spanish music to folk or acoustic songs.
Maliepaard said he doesn’t play music because he likes “to give people a quiet environment for people to unwind for a second.”
“They are friendly and approachable and want to provide the best service possible,” Francis said.
The drivers both face gaps between runs as they wait for students to board the shuttle.
“In between drives, you wait a few minutes each time, so you do your own thing if you want,” Maliepaard said. “In between, you stay busy, and it’s kind of a fun day.”
Maliepaard goes for a 5K run or works on personal projects during his breaks. Ortega said he enjoys walking “anywhere that is beautiful” such as around Liberty Station while grabbing a bite to eat.
Maliepaard’s personal projects include preparing for LoveWorks, the missionary organization at PLNU, by reading a book for the trip.
Maliepaard sees his job as a way to stay connected to the campus community while working toward his dream of supporting Christian filmmakers. He hopes to create a network of resources for young male Christian filmmakers through his church. He wants to buy a second home in San Diego to provide them with a place to stay and work on their projects, free of charge.
“I’ve been saving for 15 years for this goal,” he said. “My dream is to help filmmakers and show them that they’re not alone in this.”
He said that he wants to support filmmakers, even by transporting them to their shooting sites.
“That’s kind of my thing,” Maliepaard said.
Both Maliepaard and Ortega enjoy the opportunity to help students. Ortega, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, drives a variety of routes, including picking up junior high students from downtown and local high schools and bringing them to PLNU for workshops.
“It’s nice working for the students,” he said.
Francis also noted that while feedback for the shuttle service is minimal, the Department of Transportation “makes sure buses are regularly maintained.”
The Liberty Station shuttle schedule can be found under the Department of Transportation on PLNU’s official website.
Grace Barrera